The jointly managed investment solution by the Cantonal Banks is named «Swisscanto (LU) Portfolio Fund Sustainable Balance (CHF) – Education Initiative Swiss Cantonal Banks.» This aims to provide customers with the opportunity to combine a sustainable financial market investment with philanthropic activities, as stated in a press release on Monday.

The Cantonal Banks are contributing 10 million francs as start-up capital, according to the Swiss Cantonal Banks Association (VSKB). The fund is produced by the Zurich Cantonal Bank. It is designed to be a broadly diversified investment solution with a balanced risk allocation. A sustainable purpose approach is followed, investing in companies that contribute to at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The share class will annually distribute two percent of the fund's volume to «Education Cannot Wait» (ECW), regardless of performance.

Improving Access to Educational Opportunities

According to ECW, approximately 224 million children in crisis areas worldwide currently lack adequate access to educational opportunities. Improving inclusive, equitable, and quality education is therefore one of the UN goals and the 2030 Agenda of the Swiss Confederation.

Furthermore, a collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is planned, which represents Switzerland in ECW. The SDC supports the Cantonal Banks' educational initiative through regular strategic dialogue with the organization, ensuring transparency in ECW's impact reporting, and providing access to other education-focused investors.

The fund can be subscribed to from today, the statement continues.